Selling a car can be a daunting task, and one of the most common questions that arises is who keeps the carte grise (registration document) after the sale. In France, the carte grise is an important document that contains information about the vehicle and its owner. It’s required for driving the car and must be carried in the vehicle at all times.
Who Keeps the Carte Grise After a Sale?
In general, the seller of a car is responsible for providing the buyer with the carte grise at the time of sale. This is because the carte grise is proof of ownership of the vehicle, and the new owner will need it to register the car in their name. However, there are some exceptions to this rule.
Exceptions to the Rule
- If the car is being sold to a family member or close friend. In this case, the seller may choose to keep the carte grise and simply have the new owner’s name added to it. This can save time and money, as the buyer will not need to go through the process of registering the car in their name.
- If the car is being sold to a dealer. Dealers are required to keep the carte grise until the car is sold to a new owner. This is because they are responsible for ensuring that the car is registered in the new owner’s name.
- If the car is being exported. If the car is being sold to someone who lives outside of France, the seller will need to keep the carte grise. This is because the buyer will need to register the car in their own country.
Problems Related to Carte Grise Transfer
There are a few problems that can arise when transferring the carte grise after a sale. These problems can include:
- The seller may refuse to provide the buyer with the carte grise. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as if the seller owes money on the car or if they are trying to avoid paying taxes on the sale.
- The carte grise may be lost or stolen. If this happens, the buyer will need to obtain a replacement carte grise from the prefecture.
- The buyer may not be able to register the car in their name. This can happen if the buyer does not have the proper documentation, such as a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance.
Solutions to the Problems
There are a few things that can be done to solve the problems that can arise when transferring the carte grise after a sale. These solutions include:
- If the seller refuses to provide the buyer with the carte grise, the buyer can take the seller to court. The court can order the seller to provide the buyer with the carte grise.
- If the carte grise is lost or stolen, the buyer can obtain a replacement carte grise from the prefecture. The buyer will need to provide the prefecture with proof of ownership of the car, such as the bill of sale.
- If the buyer cannot register the car in their name, the buyer can contact the prefecture for assistance. The prefecture can help the buyer to determine what documentation is needed to register the car.
Selling a car can be a complicated process, but it can be made easier by following the steps outlined above. By understanding who keeps the carte grise after a sale and how to solve the problems that can arise, buyers and sellers can ensure that the process goes smoothly.
